Biotemas (Mar 2009)
Morphology of the gills of Steindachnerina brevipinna (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889) (Characiformes, Curimatidae).
Abstract
The Birú, Steindachnerina brevipinna, is a fish of detritivorous habit. This study describes the respiratory morphology, which contributes to the determination of the species’ feeding habits. The material was processed according to the methodology of paraffin inclusion, pigmented with Hematoxylin & Eosin, Tricomic of Goldner, and P.A.S. The gills have arches with small and numerous filaments, which are short and close to one other, when compared to other species. Gustative corpuscles, mucous cells, pavement, cells and chloride cells were in evidence, among others. In the lamellae, the epithelium is stratified, with pillars and mucous cells. The structural characteristics observed in the gills of S. brevipinna reflect the narrow commitment with the feeding habit in addition to the intense agility of this species.